Lightwaves Festival is brightening up the darkest time of the year with a trail of spectacular illuminated artworks around Salford Quays and Media City.
There are 13 pieces of art in total for visitors to wander around and admire for free, with the event putting on art ranging from the serious and thought-provoking to the playful.
The centrepiece of the festival is Navvies by Matthew Rosier, which is located on the water itself and reflects on the harsh lives of the labourers who built the Manchester Ship Canal and their working conditions which were sometimes lethal.
Other artworks tackle topics including environmental damage, the use of plastic bottles and our relationship to nature, as well as the nature of social media. There are also more fun artworks such as a dreamlike cluster of butterflies and fire-based sculptures in the MediaCity garden.
Lightwaves is now in its ninth year. The festival runs until Sunday 4 December and the artworks are lit up between 4pm and 10pm each evening.
1. Lightwaves 2022
Lightwaves consists of 13 illuminated art works located around Salford Quays and Media City. Photo: Chris Payne Photo: Chris Payne
2. Lightwaves 2022
Lightwaves is a free festival of art which features the work of both local and national artists. Photo: Chris Payne Photo: Chris Payne
3. Lightwaves 2022
There are 13 sculptures and art installations around the Quays and Media City for culture fans of all ages to explore and enjoy. Photo: Chris Payne Photo: Chris Payne
4. Lightwaves 2022
The art explores themes and subjects including industrial history, the harsh lives of workers, environmental damage and relationships with nature. Photo: Chris Payne Photo: Chris Payne